Del Marsh not running for U.S. Senate seat

State Sen. Del Marsh will not be seeking the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Marsh, an Anniston Republican, has served as Alabama Senate President Pro Tem since 2010.

Currently in the race for the Republican nomination are Sen. Luther Strange, who had been appointed by former Gov. Robert Bentley in February, Huntsville Congressman Mo Brooks, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, state Rep. Ed Henry of Hartselle, Christian Coalition of Alabama President Randy Brinson, Dominic Gentile and Birmingham business executive Bryan Peeples.

AL.com is reporting that 5 p.m. today is the deadline for candidates enter the special election for U.S. Senator. The Republican primary is Aug. 15.

According to the Alabama Republican Party, also qualifying for the race are Mary Maxwell and Joseph F. Breault.

Democratic candidates include Michael Hansen of the environmental advocacy group Gasp; former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones; Mobile resident Robert Kennedy Jr.; and Orange Beach’s Jason Fisher, who serves as vice president of direct marketing firm Ruffalo Noel-Levitz.

Today’s announcement puts end to speculation Marsh would enter the race.

Earlier this month, Marsh met with members of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“I don’t consider Gov. Bentley’s hand-chosen senator to be the incumbent,” Marsh told NRSC officials. “I think the people will choose that in an election cycle.”

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